MLS Eastern Conference Review August 20th

MLS Eastern Conference Review August 20th

With between 8 and 10 fixtures remaining in the regular season the race for the Supporters Shield and more importantly the coveted 7 play off places is truly taking shape. Philadephia UNION, MLS Union still lead the standings but having only added 3 points from the last 9 available, and with Montreal lying in second place top spot is well and truly up for grabs ! Current MLS Cup holders New York City FC currently lie in 3rd spot despite a poor run of 3 defeats on the bounce and sit just one place and 2 points above city rivals NY Red Bulls with one game in hand.

Looking at the bottom half of the table you can only realistically rule DC United out of play off contention in 14th position, who under the stewardship of Wayne Rooney will clearly be looking to next season to make a mark. Their intentions are clearly positive with the recent acquisition of Christian Benteke from EPL side Crystal Palace Football Club on a two and a half year contract.

Looking to the forthcoming fixtures in gameweek 26, I see the key matches as:

NY Red Bulls v FC Cincinnati K.O 23.00 GMT 20.08.22

The home side will be looking to build on the last match having beaten Atlanta?2 – 1 on the road after a dreadful run of results dating back to a 4 – 3 victory at Western Conference Austin FC at the back end of July. Another potential blow to the New Jersey based club is the potential loss of Scottish international midfielder Lewis Morgan. With 4 goals in his last 8 starts he could be considered a significant loss to the club should the rumoured move back to SPL side Celtic Football Club come to fruition. Cincinnati go into the fixture in 9th spot but a victory could easily see them catapult into a play off position, dependant on results elsewhere. A string of 7 draws in 9 matches coupled with one win and one defeat is the main reason that the Ohio outfit do not currently sit in a more prominent spot in the table, however they still remain arguably the most improved franchise across the MLS structure.

Bet 1?

Bet Builder?

Lewis Morgan (NYRB) 1 shot on target

Brandon Vasquez ( FC Cincinnati ) 1 shot on target

Both teams to score

Odds: 1.52/1 Paddy Power

Bet 2

Over 2.5 match goals

Cincinnati over 1.5 cards

Odds 0.92/1 Paddy Power